Dominica’s Under 21 Men’s Beach Volleyball players, Bill Frederick and Mervin Mingo, accomplished top placement in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Tournament in St. Kitts on September 2. Following the win, the duo were recognized by the Dominica Volleyball Association on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at a ceremony at the Dominica Olympic Headquarters in Bath Estate.
Official training for the tournament began in May 2024, which commenced with two months of intense physical training and technical work. During the EVCA Tournament, the pair topped their group with the first two games, then advanced to the quarter-finals and won by default over St. Vincent. Following, they faced Antigua in the semi-finals and then on to the finals when they emerged winners of the tournament. The Under 21 Men’s Beach Volleyball team has qualified to participate in the World Championship in Georgia.
President of the Dominica Volleyball Association Albert Loblack at the recognition ceremony told the Under 21 Beach Volleyball Champions they have made Dominica and themselves proud.
“You made us proud you went through the competition without dropping a set. That is remarkable and a big achievement and I congratulate you for that. It shows hard work pays and I know you have worked hard. You should feel proud of yourself for all the hard work and commitment and thank you for making us proud, representing Dominica and yourselves,” Loblack remarked.
Frederick expressed gratitude for being recognized for the team’s victory.
“I would like to say a special thank you to all those who assisted in the success of the Under 21 Men’s Volleyball team. I would like to say I appreciate the coaches for taking the risk with us. We brought our A game to the finals silencing the St. Kitts crowd. And now we are on our way to the world championship,” Frederick stated.
Coaches for the Dominica Under 21 Men Beach Volleyball team Yahn Florent and Ray Robinson for the female volleyball team were also recognized at the ceremony by the Dominica Volleyball Association.
Congratulations 👏🎉 to these very promising young sportsmen Mingo and Frederick for their success and for putting Dominica on the map. Coach loblack needs also to be commended for his yeoman service as a coach in volleyball over the years.
Yes Bill, Mr Cheekey is proud of you two.